By the Bye

When you don't know what to write....

As we begin our annual holiday affairs, we can sometimes find ourselves at a loss for words, given all the spirited gatherings and 'thanks-giving' (see previous post ).

Holiday and 'thank you' cards, journals, blogs, college essays, etc...all need some attention, but the words just won't come.  What should you do?!

Write.

It doesn't matter if you have don't have a great topic, thesis, or a Hemingway drive.  You just need to get something down on paper (or screen in my case).

When you think you have nothing good to say....

Write.

The word s will come.  They may not be fast and furious, but with each one written, another comes calling.

"You can't wait for inspiration, you have to go after it with a club".   Jack London

It's that first keystroke which makes all the difference.  There's plenty of time to edit later on.  The biggest mistake is measuring your words before you've gathered them together.

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Many of you are considering a blog of your own. 

What's stopping you??   

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So you aren't the blogging type, have no plans to send holiday cards, and perhaps scored an unmentionable number on the verbal section of the SAT's. 

Write.

Take a few moments out of your busy day to simply get your thoughts down on paper.  It can be a cathartic experience that helps ease your worries, release tension and spur creativity.

And...

It's free.

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What else are you putting off?

First Post - Giving Thanks

Update 1/23/09...Here is a post by Seth that quickly riffs on the topic below _____________

This marks the first post of the new blog, By the Bye.  Given the timing, I thought I would talk a bit about 'giving thanks'. 

It seems like a small thing, but saying thank you to someone for their support, hard-work, love, business, or time, is probably the easiest thing you can do.  How you do it shouldn't matter, but a genuine note goes a long way (preferably hand written, but you knew that).

All the better if you personalize your gratitude with what you are specifically thankful for....

     "Thanks for lending a hand with the chores".

     "Thanks for teaching me how to share my opinion".

     "Thanks for always being there".

Lest you think I've gone all sappy here, this topic arose after I received a piece of commercial mail over the weekend. 

A letter from Bill Lambert (my tailor from Tom James of Boston, the custom clothier that fitted me with a few shirts about a year ago) had been sent to my new address. 

He didn't have a coupon for me.  Wasn't telling me about a "special", new product or service.

He was simply writing to give thanks. 

Thanks for a being a customer.  Thanks for choosing him and Tom James.

He connected by saying he knows, "times are tough", and "sometimes you just want someone to say thanks".  Thanks for your business, even if it was a year ago.

He stood out by not just asking for more business. (that's what coupons, rebates, discounts, appreciation days, etc...are, after-all). 

Of course, he wouldn't mind my business right away, but this letter shows that he understands the value of being human and building a relationship.  He knows if he does this well, the business will come.

Bill was right. 

His 'thanksgiving' was appreciated and respected.  Sure, one could argue that he 'missed an opportunity' to 'sell more', and perhaps another offer would have been appropriate.  Instead, he realized what works for his clients is compassion, understanding and the forging of a connection.  Something everyone could do more of.

Especially corporations.

Coupons and discounts don't do this.  They never will.

Thanks Tom James and Bill Lambert for being different.

That's good marketing.

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Have you had a similar experience recently?  Are you surprised when people go out of their way to thank you? 

What other co.'s could benefit from simply saying, "Thanks!"?

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Please accept my gratitude and appreciation for reading my first post.  I look forward to keeping you engaged and fueling the conversation.....By the Bye. 

Happy Thanksgiving !

Tony

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